Temple Sacrifice Controversy Creates Devotee Anxiety in Kerala

The tantri of the Rajarajeshwara temple in Kerala expressed concern over anxiety among devotees due to recent controversy about an alleged animal sacrifice linked to the temple. Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar clarified the ritual occurred privately nearby. Kerala government and temple officials refuted the claims, stating no evidence of such rituals.

The tantri of Kerala’s Rajarajeshwara temple, named recently by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in connection with an alleged animal sacrifice, has voiced concerns about rising anxiety among devotees due to the controversy.

E P Kuberan Namboodiripad, the chief priest of the Taliparamba-based temple, emphasized the negative impact on the temple’s reputation. ''Unnecessary controversy can tarnish the temple’s name,'' he stated.

Shivakumar clarified that the controversial ritual was performed privately near the temple. Reports from the Kerala government and temple officials support this, asserting no evidence of such practices within the temple.